On the commemoration of Charles Stewart Parnell's passing, known as Ivy Day, a group of political canvassers gather at the headquarters to assess their performance and plan for an upcoming campaign for Lord Mayor of Dublin. Despite considering themselves adept at political maneuvering, they hold a pessimistic view of their candidate, Richard Tierney, and the political system in Dublin. They also worry that Tierney might not compensate them for their work and has failed to keep his promise of providing them with a complimentary case of Irish stout.

Another man, Joe Hynes, joins the group. He does not work for Tierney, and criticizes him from a different angle, suspecting that Tierney is not sufficiently dedicated to the Nationalist (Irish independence) cause, is too sympathetic to the British. 

While canvassers are talking to the person in charge of the headquarters, other canvassers arrive and leave, with some of them checking whether the money or the beer has been delivered. Father Keon, who is a former priest and a friend of Tierney's, also makes an appearance but departs very quickly.

After a boy brings the alcohol to headquarters, everyone including the boy drinks it. The canvassers, who initially appeared to be indifferent towards Tierney, suddenly become more sympathetic towards him. However, one of the members, by the name of Henchy, suspects Hynes of collaborating with a rival politician and betraying their campaign. The men discuss whether Tierney would welcome a visit from the King of England, and compare Tierney's position that he would support "whatever will benefit his country,” to Parnell, who would not place expediency over his values.

The canvassers' team feels sentimental about Parnell and urges Hynes to read a poem, “The Death of Parnell," regarding the leader's passing. Once Hynes finishes reciting the poem, the group expresses their approval with applause.